The verb translated insulted (New English Bible “they became abusive”; Jerusalem Bible “they hurled abuse”; Moffatt “they stormed at him”; New American Bible “They retorted scornfully”; Phillips “they turned on him furiously”) is a word indicating very strong verbal abuse. They insulted him and said must be rendered in some languages “they insulted him by saying” or simply “they insulted him.” A literal rendering may suggest that the insulting was done in some way other than by words.

Many believe that fellow’s is used in a derogatory sense, especially since that fellow’s disciple is set over against Moses’ disciples. That fellow’s disciple may be rendered “a follower of that man” or “an adherent of that man.” In order, however, to express clearly the contrast between that fellow’s disciple and Moses’ disciples, it may be more appropriate to say “You are one who obeys what that fellow has said, while we obey what Moses has said.”

Quoted with permission from Newman, Barclay M. and Nida, Eugene A. A Handbook on the Gospel of John. (UBS Handbook Series). New York: UBS, 1980. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .